Ghost hopped off the train arriving back into Ponyville. It was two on the dot, just as scheduled. Ghost was one of the lucky few. He got to see retirement from being a spy in the Equestrian Intelligence Agency. Most end up getting themselves killer or go rogue. Ghost, stayed true to his passion, which was helping others using a particular set of skills he acquired (bonus points if you know the movie this is from).

He started making his way through town, many memories flooding back to him. Some good, some not so good. Unlike some parts of the military, being a spy requires almost a lack of a good childhood. This Ghost had, no parents, lived on the street and grew up fighting and kicking his way out of the lowest of the lows. One of several reasons he was given the nickname Ghost. Second reason which was the primary, no cutie mark. None, nothing. He was a beyond gifted fighter in all forms. Brilliant mind when it came to battles. Seeing things that others would miss.

He pondered some of the best memories he had, they were always when Rainbow Dash was in town. Usually for sports back in school. Which he was quite competitive back in the day. He unfortunately fell out of contact with the cyan mare after he got transferred to the Intelligence division. Last he knew of her she was heading to the Crystal Empire to deal with some evil king or something like that. He wished he could have been there, that sounded like a good time. But no, he had to play lookout on some bitter cold mountain at the time. He will admit that he is quite well adapted to the cold now, but he hated every second of freezing conditions day and night. Those days are over.

Before he could actually truly get into town something came out of the sky and just pounded right into him. Laying them both out. Ghost was curious and partially angered at whoever hit him like that. It was rude to not say "Excuse me." Of which he did not hear this pony say to him. When he sat up and looked, low and behold it was the cyan mare herself. Deciding to play with her a bit as payback for getting his coat all dirty, "Well, Rainbow Crash, as I live and breathe you still haven't figured out how to bank yet?" He was smirking. He knew she HATED being called Crash. But this is what she gets for being rude and ruining his black coat.

Dash was partially out of it after hitting what felt like a rock. She didn't think a pony could be so dense in muscle and bone. Whoever this is, she definitely wanted to know what their exercised routine was. But hearing that voice, and that dreaded school nickname. She knew immediately who it was. She was angry and happy at the same time. First happiness then unleash a little anger for the name. "OHMYGOSH It's you!" Without even thinking she went and hugged him. Which surprised both of them. Dash couldn't believe herself. First thing she does is hug? Since when!? Well, she did just push him two feet into the ground first, so this may be a bit justifiable.

"Jumping straight to feel my guns? I thought you would have waited till after the first date." Ghost remarked, again, toying with his old friend, though he returned her hug. Softer than he remembered, though this time she wasn't a sweaty mess. Or has it really been that long since he's actually been around her? Either way, they ended up enjoying this hug a little more than they probably should have.

"Why did you ruin this moment for me?" Dash was a bit soft spoken in this question which threw Ghost off a bit, he expected a growl or some retort from her. But this was a ruse so she could try to get a smack in on his face. But it failed. Ghost caught her hoof easily and was just holding it. His speed and reflexes were sharper than the last time they had met. Dash now blushed a tad, being defeated easily and she knew he was going to rub it in somehow. But this time, Ghost left it be.

"Can't believe that I finally get to see my best friend again." Ghost remarked softly as he gently released her hoof. Dash was stunned, this was a side that she almost never saw in Ghost. Sincere, no jokes, no tricks or angles. Just saying what he felt.

"I..I would be lying if I said I didn't miss having you around." Dash could remember the handful of times Ghost was there for her when she needed support. Loyal till death. When those colts that picked on her by calling her Crash, Ghost would jump in between her and them and protect her. This was during a very small amount of time when Dash wasn't stuck up or egotistic. He got them to back off for a time. But now, no one would dare mess with him based on how buff, gruff and rough he looks.

"Well, I am back and sticking around for a while. Why don't we meet up later and talk about all the adventures we've been on while away and catch up a bit?" Ghost was genuinely excited to restart his friendship with Dash, since she hinted that she actually missed him. Though based on the tone of voice, she seemed to have maybe feelings for him that she may have kept hidden? Possibly, maybe.

"That would be a great idea, what time?" Dash now sparkling with energy like her old self. Catching up with one of the best stallions she ever knew. Uh oh, here come the unintentional stares, right at the pecs Ghost had. Strong, though they looked almost soft too. Is that a scar? More than one? Dash quickly realized she got off on a gaze and snapped out of it. Luckily Ghost didn't notice her quick eye twitch from his chest to his face again.

"I'll finish unpacking get cleaned up, let's say meet at town center at six and head out to dinner?" Lucky for Dash, it was confirmed that Ghost was pondering a good time, one with margarine for unexpected to happen. Them crimson eyes could melt ice bridges. If only they were with him in the frigid cold mountains. Maybe he could have at least seen some green. Ghost snapped out of his trance way quicker than Dash did. Though he only never left eye contact with her, so it appeared he heard her with full attention. But nope.

"Okay, see you then!" Dash was super stoked to catch up. She rocketed up into the sky and headed back to her house. She running at light speed and though this was normal for her, she realized she was getting ahead of herself and plus she treating the whole thing like she had to leave in two minutes or she would be late. She had like three hours to get ready. Slowing down a little won't hurt anything. She took a deep breath and took a seat on her bed. Why was she so over excited. Yes, it has been years since she had seen, let alone be with Ghost. But how could that lead to an almost first date with the high school rush reaction? No way she could have fallen for him at first glance. Did she fall for him before he deported? She was the only one he ever wrote too during his time away. Though he didn't really have anyone back home that he was friends with outside of Dash that didn't end up doing something similar to him. Some of his pals ended up in the Guard. Before Dash knew it, time had passed enough that it was time to get ready to meet up with Ghost. So she did just that.

Gone in a flash, just like normal for an excited Dash, Ghost chuckled as his old friend took off in a streak of rainbow. He wasted no time in getting into town. He picked up the key to his apartment, he wasn't going to stay here. But finding an already decent house in Ponyville wasn't the easiest thing to do. Plus the government already paid for the first two months of rent for him to settle in and get situated. So he wasn't in a real rush to move out. He unpacked what few items he had and hopped a shower. Restoring his coat to it's more desirable state. He put on his cloak that he acquired from a target he tangled with a few years back, it suddenly needed a new owner, and well Ghost knew the stallion that owned it would want him to have it. So he took it and cleaned it up. It was long and hooded, Ghost loved it. It fit his personality very well. Though he usually wore the hood up over his head as well as had it buttoned up, he decided to just wear it loosely. Not like he needed to show off his mysterious side or be in a fight, hopefully. First day back and he ends up in a fight would not go well with him. At least wait till day two. With that he headed off.

Ghost was at city hall exactly ten minutes earlier. Right on the dot ten minutes earlier. Ghost had time beat into him in basic training and it never left. It only became more of a habit. He didn't mind. It was preferred to be punctual in his mind. He didn't see Dash at all, which was okay, so he went and read the bulletin board to see what news was up. There was an ad for the Flim Flam brothers new miracle product. "Pass. Sorry boys, but I know that is a hoax." It was something about some pill that increased strength. Probably just a sugar pill or something like that. A couple town events in the later part of the month but nothing overly impressing. Right after that, he could hear a pegasus land behind him. There was Dash, she done her mane to one side and had it looked longer, but of course it would when not a fuzzy mess. "Looking good." He was honest, which surprised Dash, but then again, he probably didn't want her to try and kick his teeth.

"Thanks....you look good too." She couldn't believe she was complimenting him like they were dating. But she couldn't help at well groomed he looked. His coat black enough to absorb any light source that tried to shine on it. That's new, scars on his chest. He didn't have those last she saw of him. He never mentioned them in the letters either. Besides being overly strong for an unicorn (so weird saying that, but rules are the rules) he also had mystery scars on him. Besides the point, this was a dinner to catch up on over lost years, not admire strength and scars. Though maybe just a little. With that they started walking to the restaurant.

During the walk, Dash couldn't help but notice how Ghost held himself, pride, powerful, though humble. He didn't flaunt himself, but he wasn't ashamed to show the world that he was....a stud. Was he doing it on purpose as some sort of flirting tactic on her? Or was she just falling for something he did as normal? Wait, she was falling for him? She realized she started to blush from him just walking, walking. Something so normal. Why was it something she couldn't stop watching?

Ghost was just minding his own business, in his mind. Thinking about what to eat. He's been in so many cultures and got into diets that would probably weird others out. It was part of the mission at the time, plus he did have to look native, so avoiding certain foods would send red flags. Though something smacked him mentally and he just barely caught a glance that Dash was blushing and watching him. Did his cloak fall off? Nope. He wasn't walking in any unusual way. Weird, what has her mind all caught up on ? Was it his muscle? Clearly she's been around other stallions that were toned, why would he be different enough to get this? Though she wasn't a cow either. Oh if she could hear his thoughts she would have thrown something his way just then. Toned in the right places and still all the desirability that a stallion would look for in a mare. Though this wasn't Ghost's first go to in a relationship. Throughout school he would only date those who had a good personality on them. Though nothing ever stuck, nothing ever went south either. Even after they broke up they would chat and some would even ask Ghost about who thought they would like to go out with and Ghost was honest with them. Some were jerks, some not so much. Dash he already knew well, she was hard headed to a point, but soft once you got past that hard shell. Her looks, her personality, all things Ghost would not have a problem with.

Oh hey look, they arrived, who would have guessed. Ghost and Dash broke out of their own trances when they both almost tripped on the steps to the front door. Luckily no one saw it. It was a small place with low traffic, but Ghost remembered it for having good food. It was almost like he took a step back in time. This place had not changed one bit. They were seated and served water. Ghost skimmed the menu and found an item he knew he would like. Dash was a bit longer deciding, she rarely came here and some of the foods she wasn't familiar with. But she was quick on getting a choice made and closing the menu up. Ghost was first to speak, "I'm very glad I get to be back home. Instead of remembering what this town was like. And to see you again."

Dash blushed when he said the last bit. Though mostly due to her own emotions, she knew he meant as a friend, but couldn't help herself. "I...I really missed you. I know I said that before, but it's true. You were, are my best friend." Dash was speaking softly. The words she spoke were hard to admit, let alone confess. She probably would never be able to confess how she feels to her other friends. Simply because she would be way too embarrassed to show how soft she can be. Though she can let this side out around Ghost, why? Was it because he wouldn't assume she is soft? Or was it because he could so easily maintain his alpha posturing? He still has it, he's a natural tough guy. Always been and even more so now.

"Dash, are you okay? You haven't quite been the same since I got back." Ghost was speaking softly as well, though mostly to not draw attention. He was a bit curious what was really going on with her. She was behaving weird and it was kind of weird to him. It wasn't that time of the month so it's not like that her body was the one thinking. Though it still may be talking. Enough of that.

"I...I don't know. I can't help but admire you. But, you did leave me very concerned when you suddenly stopped writing. I always looked forward to the letters, and they stopped coming. Why did you leave me?" This was too soft, but she beyond the point of return now. Though Ghost was never aware of how deeply her thoughts of him went, she genuinely had a deep care about him. Even if it wasn't the romantic kind, it was deeper than just friends.

"Dash, I...I never knew how deeply you felt. I sincerely apologize for stopping. But my job got way more complicated and way harder. Plus it got more dangerous to write back home. One of the biggest reasons I stopped was to protect you from any harm my job could have delivered. I didn't want anything bad to happen to you." This was shocking to Ghost. To hear the words Dash spoke. It was almost like there was a different pony in front of him. Ghost felt really bad for putting her through all that. It was very sudden that he just stopped and without reason. All the thoughts that Dash to fight off. All of them not very pleasant to digest. He could partially relate. He had comrades drop off the grid for a while and thoughts he had to fight with almost daily was tough.

"You...Really did it to protect me? You cared that much? You know what I've been through, trying to believe that you weren't dead. I almost started to believe you did." Dash tried to stop herself from crying, but she did lose partially. She started to tear up, but the one thing that caught her off guard, Ghost immediately wiped them away. "You aren't going to lose me again. Promise." He said softly. Dash knew one thing, if Ghost promised something, he kept it unless something prevented him from being able to fulfill it. Whatever it was, it had to be big, because he would fight to keep them.

Dash couldn't stop herself, she immediately clung to him tightly. She didn't want him to go, not now, not ever. Though holy cow was ever soft. Like a big cozy teddy bear with muscle. This alone made her want to continue to hold onto him, she didn't care who saw this. She wanted it and was going to have her moment. Plus, she knew Ghost would have her back if anything undesirable would try to surface from it. She was very happy when she felt him hug her back. Feeling his muscles hold her, comforting and protecting her from the world. She wanted this. "As much as I would hate to say this, we should probably return to our seats." Ghost whispered softly to her.

Dash wanted to say something snarky, but she knew he was right and she could always be snarky later. She scooted off of him and took a deep breath to calm herself. Just in time too as the waiter came to take their order. A young mare with a bigger than life smile, obviously high school or early college age. They both order and she takes their menus. After she leaves Dash leans into Ghost's ear "Thank you." If that wasn't a surprise enough she then kissed his cheek. What sorcery is this? What curse was Dash under that made her this way? Ghost had no answers, though he knew something in her changed sometime between him leaving and coming back. Though he couldn't complain. The new Dash he is seeing is quite nice. Though all Ghost could do was smile back at her. He had no words for her. But seeing him smile was good enough for her.

The rest of the evening went well. They managed to catch up on most of what happened in the meantime. Her fascination with Daring Do. Joining the Wonderbolts, Discord turning into a friend of Shy. This part was hard to comprehend even for Ghost. He knew of Shy and her tendencies. That didn't make sense. Chaos and the shyest pony in the world. All well, they found a way to make it work. Talking about Sombra and his attempt to retake the throne. Starlight and all that. "I missed out on some true fun." Ghost said in a chuckle.

"I would disagree." Dash replied a bit softly, gesturing to his scars. She mostly returned to her usual self, though she couldn't seem to stay away from Ghost for any amount of distance. Though now, she wasn't afraid to admit it or do something about it. Ghost almost forgot he had scars showing.

"Oh, those. Their nothing. Just having fun on the job." Ghost said with a grin and a wink. "Though I have way more than what is just on my chest. They go way lower. The chest is as high as any of those that gave them to me would go. Each one has their own story." Ghost pointed to the worst of the ones on the chest, it was a deep scar and had a golf ball sized part in the middle of it, "Got this sucker from a group that really knew how to have fun in the East. Thick accent too. Could barely understand his English. Though the mares were nicer. Always calling me 'Meester Ghost' whenever they were talking to me." Dash was about to be jealous, but obviously nothing stuck over there, plus they were probably just being nice and polite.

"Wow. You really knew how to roll with the punches didn't you." She saw him get clobbered several times real good and just get up like it was nothing. This was taking it to a new level. Being cut up like this on more than one occasion, it surprised her, and she now knew just what he meant by why he stopped sending letters. Who knows what she would have had to endure if they got her.

"Should have seen the other guy." He smiled a bit, this was to ensure to Dash that he did have his in return. Though he wasn't going to share the details. Even if he could be quiet, that story was a little out of place to say in a public place. Though now they both were full and done with dinner.

The mare returned to collect the bill and pick up the dishes. Her smile was gone though. "What's wrong darling?" Ghost asked her softly.

"I'm fine. Just not every customer is nice that comes in is all. I shouldn't let it get to me, but it does sometimes." She replied, a little saddened but trying to turn it around.

"Here, take this tip, you are young, beautiful and have a long big life in front of you. Plus you have a good head on you, trying to not take the hurt to heart and move past it." He hands her a small bag of bits. Which was more than his and Dash's meal and way too generous for a tip. "I also would like to know who this is that is causing problems." Ghost wasn't going to start a fight, but he was going to set the record straight. But he didn't need an answer on who was giving her a hard time.

"Where is that slut at? I want my drink!" Of course. Drunk and an idiot. Two completely great combinations. "Thank you so much for this tip. But please, don't cause problems if you can help it." She pleaded a little. She knew Ghost likely wouldn't get kicked out or banned if this guest starts something, but she didn't want to be the cause of trouble either. Dash was in support of Ghost, she didn't like the way this young stallion was conducting himself.

Ghost got up and walked over to this colt. But before Ghost spoke, the young stallion spoke first, "Oh, is this the stallion that you would rather seduce? Instead of giving me what I want?" Ghost was seriously not going to take anything he had. Not like it would be a fight to begin with. It would be him swinging, Ghost countering and putting this boy in his place.

"When I was your age, I wouldn't be caught dead speaking to a mare like that. What makes you think that you can talk to a server like this?" Ghost was keeping his calm. He was going to let this colt get himself barred. He was just going to speak his mind. Dash was right behind Ghost eyeing the two of them. She was kind of hoping this clown would do something that would result in Ghost doing something. Seeing how he has improved his fighting would be the greatest highlight of this day (Even though Ghost would rather not as I stated earlier).

"I can say and do what I want, this is a free country right? Back off before I teach you a lesson about rubbing your nose in a place it doesn't belong." Ghost was getting bored more than angry at this point. Same old, same old. He dealt with this in high school several times. Though he wasn't phased at the "threat" that made at him.

"Oh please, you are just a drunk boy about two minutes from getting kicked out from this place and barred for life for harassing this young mare and threatening another customer who simply just wants you to shut up." Ghost wasn't even going to put the effort in to deal with this punk. That was till he got raged and threw a fast one at Ghost. Ghost didn't move to miss or block the punch. He took the punch, right in the left cheek. Not even blinked at it. At this point the young stallion realized that he had done it.

"You couldn't even hit like a mare. You should be ashamed of yourself. But you can worry about that after you get out of the jail." The manager was present during last half but seeing how Ghost was keeping his cool and simply trying to get the stallion to behave or leave he left them alone. But not without calling the guard about this who just arrived after Ghost finished his statement to the lad. They walked in, "What is going on?"

The manager points to the drunk, "This stallion is drunk and just struck one of our patrons who was asking him to stop his behavior." They look at Ghost and Dash, "True?" Ghost nodded, then the guards collected the stallion and took him off to jail. One of them asked Ghost, "Pressing charges?" To which Ghost nodded no. The thought of going to jail for more than being drunk hopefully sobers this lad up. The guard then leaves and Ghost starts to head out of the building too with Dash before they hear the manager. "My waitress said you just tipped her a large sum, why?"

"World is full of jerks like that stallion. He was getting to her, despite her best efforts to block him out of her mind and ignore his insulting tones at her. She needs a highlight of today that outweighs what that fool did. Giving her some money and complimenting her on being the better pony was the least I could do. Going to the stallion, that was personal. I didn't like the sound of his voice ruining my evening." Ghost said, calmly and smiled at the young mare who was smiling again. Once again hearing him being nice.

"Thank you." The young mare said. "Yes, thank you. You are very welcome to come back and I will pass it on that you and your date get free meals here from now on. The world needs more like you. Those not afraid to stand up and do the right thing." The manager added on top of that, "Have a good evening you two."

"Thank you sir, but I can't accept free food. Please don't try to argue the point." Ghost replied. The manager nodded and they went back to running the store. Ghost and Dash went outside where Dash kissed his cheek again.

"Okay, that was awesome." Dash was very impressed with the way Ghost handled himself. She knew his younger self would have pounded him a good few times for striking. But he didn't even flinch from it, nor give it back. His self-restraint was his most attractive moment. She also couldn't help but lean on him some, to feel his soft and warmth again.

"Thanks." Ghost smiled a little, seeing Dash happy was something that brightened his day ten times more. Though he did let her lean on him. It just felt right, not sure why, but it did. Plus she was very soft and warm. Warmer than he thought she would be. Perhaps it was the heat of the moment? From the stallion irritating both her and Ghost.

"Could...could I spend the night with you...." Dash whispered softly to him. She almost didn't finish, but she pressured through. She didn't want this night to end with them splitting off. She wasn't really looking for much more than just being with Ghost more. The look in her eye wasn't that of bedroom eyes. Ghost knew the difference and she lacked that look and her behavior wasn't hinting at it either. Her body posture wasn't trying to impress him either.

"Yes." He whispered back. "Though my place is quite baron, since I still haven't fully moved in, so don't set the expectations high." It was true. He only had a few things of clothing, a handful of weapons he was allowed to take back with him and that was pretty much it. Nothing much.

"I don't care. I know you aren't big on having a bunch of stuff in your place." Dash knew Ghost was not one for personal stuff outside of essentials. Though didn't help he didn't have of a house growing up. But that was in the past, and she was more focused on the future. What in the world is she going to do with him? She wasn't quite comfortable with the idea of letting herself be taken by him. Not yet anyway, plus she knew he knew she wasn't interested, so no worries there. Cuddle? Just cuddle? That may get old after a short while. All well. Going to have to just wing it. Though it was not very long before Dash found herself pretty much throwing her weight against Ghost's side as they walked. Luckily it was mostly dark out by this point so no one was out and those that were couldn't really see to make out Dash or Ghost.

Before long Ghost and Dash were in his apartment and after Ghost threw the cloak on the back of the couch that was already part of the apartment he sat down and Dash sat almost on top of him. She snuggled up against him and sighed happily. "Never knew this side of you existed." Ghost commented softly. He put a hoof around her, a little slower than Dash would have liked.

"You thought I wasn't capable of being all soft and lovey?" Dash asked softly. Partially upset at Ghost for doubting, but then again, she didn't think she would be doing this when she plowed into him earlier. So she was no longer upset. Though now, that the cloak is gone and they are completely alone, Ghost feels softer and warmer to her. Plus feeling his muscles was almost enough to make her just melt.

"You never really talked about dates or crushes or anything like that when we were in school or when we were writing. Plus we've never been on a date before today either." Ghost replied, before giving her a gentle kiss on the head. Her soft warm body was very enjoyable. Could just be that he has been too busy fighting and running around to actually go on a date. Could be something about Dash herself that just makes her better than what he remembers. Either way, he was not about to trade this moment or let it go to waste. He could also tell that Dash was really calm and relaxed. Slowed heart, slow and steady breathing. This made him happy, she so comfortable with him.

Holy crap his lips were soft. Dash was mind blown at that. Though before she could spend too much time on that she thought about what he said. It was true, she never told him about previous lovers. She had them, just never told him about them. Now some embarrassing memories came back. Some good ones, some not very PG ones. Ghost felt different than all of those though. Those all felt more like heat of the moment or just a phase. This feels, right. Genuine, not hiding, not rushed, well it is, but not like they are in a hurry to progress it. Dash now really wanted to make something out of this. No more being just friends, she wanted this to go further. But back to the moment and to the comment Ghost made. "You are right. Huh, I guess I thought I at least mentioned one at some point. So all this time you thought I was just an athlete too hard headed to have a relationship with a stallion?" She was more curious to what he thought about her previous love life than anything. She was the one that never mentioned it to him that she had dated before now.

"I always figured you were just waiting for the right one. Though I would be highly surprised if you have never been on at least one date before now." Ghost probably already knew some facts about her without digging into it. Probably gave herself away at least three times to a stallion. At least one was a dare from one of her friends. One was just because he was a stud and she wanted some. The other was a serious relationship that went that far but no further. Though he knew she would not give any stallion a foal until she knew she found the right stallion. He knew she had enough integrity to not be a single mother. Unlike poor Derpy. She graduated with Ghost, but she allowed herself to be taken advantage of and found herself with two miscarriages and a daughter and no supportive stallion. That was just before he was deported. Hopefully things are going well now and her daughter was doing well as well. But that is another day.

"You aren't wrong, though in case you are curious, I'm not a virgin." She hated to admit it to him, but she felt better to admit it now than to wait for him to find out later if she was to let it go that far. She buried her face into his chest, partially upset that she did let herself get taken several times before finding the right stallion to settle with. Though it's in the past. Second reason, his chest was just so soft to rest against she couldn't stop herself from doing it. The latter was the driving reason. Though Ghost could tell her truth was bugging her. Upsetting herself over it.

"It's in the past, don't beat yourself up. I don't think any less of you for it. Being honest, I'm not either. Some of the times I've done it was for the mission at hand. Others was serious dating, then well, sometimes I'd hit the club to relieve stress." He gently lifted her head up to look at him. She started to cling to him more unconsciously. She was sort of surprised that he wasn't either. But it wasn't a shocker. She felt better. But then the biggest shock happened. Ghost kissed her! Though Dash immediately kissed back. Both enjoying this passionate moment a little more than they probably should have. Although they held this kiss for a few minutes it only felt like a few moments. Dash really wanted it to last longer. It felt really good to share that with him. She felt a lot better too. Ghost was right, don't let the past define her. Let her create a future that will change her past. She happily laid back against his chest. "Thank you, Ghost. I really needed that."

"You're welcome." Ghost whispered softly while starting holding her softly. Dash relaxed into him. Giving herself to him as each second passed. Once again getting to feel him comfort her and protect her from everything around her. Though she felt like he was protecting her from her past. She sighed happily and closed her eyes. She felt his calm breath as his chest moved, and his calmed heart beat. It was mesmerizing, something she never noticed before. It was soothing and in a way it told her that she was safe. The world could end tomorrow but she would be fine.

Ghost could feel Dash slowly relax into a limp state as she settled down into his grasp. Completely content with where she was. It was probably rare to ever find her in this kind of state. Though before he knew it, she fell asleep. He smiled softly, it was super adorable, and it spoke volumes of what she thought of him. Trust so high, she could sleep peacefully with him. Guess the bed was going to wait till tomorrow. Ghost couldn't convince himself to try to move to the bed and feared he'd wake her, which he didn't want to do. So he just gently laid down and the only thing Dash did was make herself more comfortable on him. Before long they both were fast asleep, despite the fact Dash was snoring now. But spend a few nights in a cave while artillery rains down on top of you and noise is no longer an issue.

Author's Note

Probably the biggest piece of read you will find. Not even my old one-shot exceeded three thousand words. This is a story I have been planning for a while, and finally decided to put into action. This plus my other story are going to get rotated between. So if you are waiting for chapter two, it is next.

Also a huge thanks for the positive feedback on the other story, that encouraged me to do this faster and also try a slight twist on the style that I knew would benefit the story.